Nectarine tree named ‘Burnecteight’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica ) Var.  nucipersica , which is denominated varietally as ‘Burnecteight’, and which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, clingstone nectarine which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately September 15 to September 22 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Prunus persica.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Burnecteight’.

The present invention relates to a new, novel and distinct variety ofNectarine tree, Prunus persica var. (nucipersica), which has beendenominated varietally as ‘Burnecteight’. The present variety ofnectarine tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and nut treebreeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercialquality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties and rootstocks by creatingand releasing promising selections of prunus, malus and regia species.To this end we make both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations eachyear in order to produce seedling populations from which improvedprogenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling ‘Burnecteight’ was originated by us from a population ofseedlings grown in our experimental orchards located near Fowler, Calif.The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were the result of a controlledcross of the nectarine tree ‘September Red,’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.5,664), which was used as the sepd parent, and an unnamed nectarineseedling, (unpatented) which was used as the pollen parent. Oneseedling, which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirablecharacteristics and was marked for subsequent observation. After the1997 season, the new, present variety was selected for advancedevaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine tree‘Burnecteight’ was accomplished by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock(non-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchardlocated near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations have shown thoseasexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristicsof the original tree and its fruit were established and appear to betransmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burnecteight’ is a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, which isof large size, and which has vigorous growth, and which further is aregular and productive bearer of large, late ripening, firm, yellowfleshed, clingstone fruit with good flavor and eating quality. The treehas a medium-high chilling requirement of approximately 750 hours. Thetree also produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the treewith a high degree of red skin coloration, and firm flesh. The fruitappears to have good handling and shipping quality. Still further, the‘Burnecteight’ nectarine tree bears fruit that is ripe for commercialharvesting and shipment on approximately September 15 to September 22.In comparison to the seed parent, ‘September Red’ nectarine tree, (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 5,664), the new variety ripens 10 or more days later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing which is provided is a color photograph of thepresent variety. It depicts two whole mature fruit, and one fruitdissected in the equatorial plane and which exposes the flesh and thepit thereof. It also depicts a characteristic twig bearing typicalleaves and two individual leaves. The external coloration of the fruitis shown sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. The colorsare as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representationof this type. Due to chemical development, processing and printing, theleaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not beaccurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, futurecolor references should be made to the color plates as provided by TheRoyal Horticultural Society and the descriptions as providedhereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observedduring the fourth fruiting season under the ecological conditionsprevailing at orchards located near the town of Fowler, county ofFresno, state of California. All major color code designations are byreference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by TheRoyal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

Tree:

Size.—Generally. — Considered medium-large as compared to other commoncommercial nectarine cultivars ripening in the late season of maturity.The tree of the present variety was pruned to a height of approximately314.8 cm to 386.7 cm at maturity.

Vigor.—Moderately vigorous. The present variety grew from about 139.0 cmto 189.7 cm in height during the first growing season. The variety waspruned to a height of approximately 106.7 cm during the first dormantseason and primary scaffolds were then selected for the desired treestructure.

Productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from 2.0 to several timesmore than the desired crop load. Fruit set is spaced by thinning todevelop into the desired market sized fruit. The number of fruit setvaries with climatic conditions and cultural practices during the bloom,period and is therefore not distinctive of the variety.

Bearer.—Regular. Fruit set has been heavy, and thinning was necessaryduring the past 4 years.

Form.—Upright, and pruned to a vase shape.

Density.—Medium dense. It has been discovered that pruning the branchesfrom the center of the tree to obtain a resulting vase shape allows forair movement and appropriate amounts of sunlight to enhance fruit colorand renewal of fruiting wood throughout the tree.

Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA HardinessZone 9. Winter chilling requirements are approximately 750 hours below7.0 degrees C. The present variety appears to be hardy under typicalCentral San Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.

Trunk:

Diameter.—Approximately 15.5 cm in diameter when measured at a distanceof approximately 15.24 cm above the soil level, at the end of the fourthgrowing season.

Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous folds of paperyscarfskin being present.

Lenticles.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The lenticelsrange in size from approximately 3.0 to 5.0 millimeters in width, andfrom 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters in height.

Lenticel color.—Considered an Orange Brown, (RHS Greyed Orange 171 C).

Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to be a mediumbrown, (RHS Greyed Orange Group 165 A).

Branches:

Size.—Considered medium for the variety.

Diameter.—Average as compared to other varieties. The branches have adiameter of about 6.0 centimeters when measured during the fourth yearafter grafting.

Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood which isseveral years old.

Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable between about 45to 49 degrees from the horizontal axis. This characteristic is notconsidered distinctive of the variety, however.

Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially glabrous.

Internode length.—Approximately 2.3 to 2.4 cm.

Color of mature branches.—Medium brown, (RHS Brown Group 200 D).

Current seasons shoots.—Color. — Green, (RHS Group 135 B). The color ofnew shoot tips is considered a bright and shiny green (RHS Green Group139 B).

Leaves:

Size.—Considered medium-large for the species. Leaf measurements havebeen taken from vigorous, upright, current-season growth atapproximately mid-shoot.

Leaf length.—Approximately 176.0 to 181.0 millimeters.

Leaf width.—Approximately 40.0 to 43.0 millimeters.

Leaf base shape.—Slightly oblique relative to the leaf longitudinalaxis.

Leaf form.—Lancelolate.

Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.

Leaf color.—Dark yellow-green, (approximately RHS Yellow Green Group 146A).

Leaf texture.—Glabrous.

Lower surface.—Medium green, (RHS Yellow Green Group 146 C).

Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.

Mid-vein.—Color. — Light yellow green, (RHS Yellow Green Group 154 D).

Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating. Form. — Considered crenate,occasionally doubly crenate. Uniformity. — Considered generally uniform.

Leaf petioles.—Size. — Considered medium long. Length. — About 11.0 toabout 14.0 mm. Diameter. — About 1.5 to about 2.5 mm. Color. — Palegreen, (RHS Yellow Green Group N144 C).

Leaf glands.—Size. — About 1.5 mm in height and about 1.0 mm in width.Number. — Generally one per side, occasionally two per side. Type. —Reniform, and considered reasonably appressed relative to the petiolemargin. Color. — Light green, (RHS Yellow Green Group146 B).

Leaf stipules.—Size. — Medium large for the variety. Number. — Typically2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot tip. Form. — Lanceolate in form,and having a serrated margin. Color. — Green, (RHS Green Group 132 A)when young, but graduating to a brown color, (RHS Greyed Orange group177 B) with advancing senescence. The stipules are considered to beearly deciduous.

Flowers:

Flower buds.—Generally — The floral buds, depending upon the stage ofdevelopment, are approximately 8.0 millimeters wide; and about 11.0millimeters long; conic in form; and slightly appressed relative to thebearing shoot.

Flower buds.—Color — The bud scales are gray brown, (approximately RHSGreyed Orange Group 177 C). The buds are considered hardy under typicalcentral San Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.

Hardiness.—No winter injury has been noted during the last several yearsof evaluation in the central San Joaquin Valley. The current variety hasnot been intentionally subjected to drought or heat stress and thereforethis information is not available.

Date of first bloom.—Mar. 2, 2000.

Blooming time.—Considered to be mid-late in season in relativecomparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in the centralSan Joaquin Valley. Date of full bloom was observed on Mar. 9, 2000. Thedate of bloom varies slightly with climatic conditions and culturalpractices.

Duration of bloom.—Approximately 9 days. This characteristic variesslightly with climatic conditions.

Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type flower.

Flower size.—Flower diameter at full bloom is approximately 38.0 to 42.0millimeters.

Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.

Flower bud frequency.—Normally 1 to 2 appear per node.

Petal size.—Generally — Considered medium for the species. Length. —Approximately 18.0 to 20.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 16.0 to18.0 millimeters.

Petal form.—Broadly ovate.

Petal count.—Nearly always 5.

Petal texture.—Glabrous.

Petal color.—Light pink when young, (RHS Red Purple Group 62 D), anddarkening with advancing senescence and exposure to sunlight to a mediumto dark pink, (RHS Red Purple Group 67 C).

Fragrance.—Slight.

Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered truncate, and has a mediumsize when compared to other varieties. Length. — Approximately 5.0 to6.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 5.0 to 7.0 millimeters.

Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly smooth, tomoderately undulate, especially apically.

Petal apex.—Generally — The petal apices appear rounded.

Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium-long, and having an averagelength of approximately 2.0 to 3.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Consideredaverage, approximately 2.0 millimeters. Color. — Considered light green,(RHS Yellow Green Group 144 C).

Floral nectaries.—Color. — A dull orange, (RHS Orange Group 25 B).

Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — A dull red,(approximately RHS Greyed Red Group 181 B).

Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine pubescenttexture. Size. — Average, and ovate in form. Color. — A dull red,(approximately RHS Greyed Red Group 182 B).

Anthers.—Generally. — Average in length. Color. — Reddish-purpledorsally, (approximately RHS Greyed Red Group 184 B).

Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow color,(approximately RHS Yellow Orange Group 19 A).

Filaments.—Size. — Variable in length, approximately 12.0 to 16.0millimeters in length. Color. — Considered white to a pinkish-white,(RHS White Group 155 D).

Pistil.—Number. — Usually 1, rarely 2. Generally. — Average in size.Length. — Approximately 15.0 to 17.0 millimeters including the ovary.Color. — Considered a very pale green, (approximately RHS Yellow GreenGroup 150 D). Surface Texture. — The variety has a long glabrous pistil.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping ripe). Date offirst picking. — Sep. 15, 2000. Date of last picking. — Sep. 25, 2000.The date of harvest varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Size.—Generally — Considered large, and uniform.

Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 78.0 to 81.0 millimeters.

Average axial diameter.—Approximately 77.0 to 80.0 millimeters.

Typical weight.—Approximately 257.0 grams. This is highly dependent uponcultural practices and therefore is not distinctive of the variety.

Fruit form.—Generally — Moderately oblate. The fruit is generallyuniform in symmetry.

Fruit suture.—Shallow, and extending from the base to the apex. Noapparent callusing or stitching exists along the suture line.

Suture.—Color — This appears to be a light orange colored background,(approximately RHS Orange Group 25 C) and occasionally having some redcoloration, (approximately RHS Red Group 46 A).

Ventral surface.—Form — Slightly indented.

Apex.—Rounded.

Base.—Moderately retuse.

Stem cavity.—Rounded too slightly elongated in the suture plane. Averagedepth of the stem cavity is about 1.95 cm. Average width is about 2.54cm.

Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and tenaciousto the flesh. Texture. — Glabrous. Taste. — Non-astringent. Tendency tocrack. — None observed.

Color.—Blush Color. — This blush color is variable from an orange,(approximately RHS Orange Group 25 C) to a dark red, (approximately RHSRed Group 46 A). The blush color ranges from about 70% to 80% of thefruit surface depending upon the sunlight exposure and prevailinggrowing conditions. Ground Color. — Yellow orange, (approximately RHSYellow Orange Group 17 C).

Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 7.0 to 8.0 millimeters.Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 to 3.0 millimeters. Color. — Paleyellow-green, (approximately RHS Yellow Green Group 144 C).

Flesh.—Ripens. — Evenly. Texture. — Firm, and dense. Fibers. — Few,small, and tender. Aroma. — Very slight. Eating Quality. — Very good.Flavor. — Considered sweet and mildly acidic. The flavor is consideredboth pleasant and balanced. Juice. — Moderate. Brix. — About 12.0degrees. This characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruitper tree, prevailing cultural practices, and the surrounding climaticconditions. Flesh Color. — Pale yellow, (approximately RHS Yellow OrangeGroup 17 A) and occasionally areas of a red purple (RHS Red Group 53 B).

Stone:

Type.—Clingstone.

Size.—Considered medium for the variety.

Length.—Average, about 27.0 to about 29.0 millimeters.

Width.—Average, about 22.0 to about 25.0 millimeters.

Diameter.—Average, about 16.0 to 20.0 millimeters.

Form.—Obovoid.

Base.—The stone is usually rounded; however it may vary occasionallyfrom rounded to straight.

Apex.—Shape. — The stone apex is raised and has a short tip.

Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Irregularly furrowed toward the apex,and pitted toward the base. The stone exhibits substantial pittinglaterally. Substantial grooving over the apical shoulders is evident.Surface pitting is prominent generally, and more frequently, it ispresent basally. Ridges. — The surface texture varies from sharp torounded. Ventral Edge. — Width — Considered medium, and having adimension of approximately 4.0 to 6.0 millimeters at the mid-suture. Thewings are most prominent over the suture line. Dorsal Edge. — Shape. —Moderately flat, and wide, relative to the ventral edge and narrowlygrooved. The dorsal edge is moderately eroded over the apical shoulder.

Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is a dull red, (approximatelyRHS Greyed Red Group 179 A).

Tendency to split.—Splitting has not been noted.

Kernel.—Size. — Length about 15.0 mm. Width — about 12.0 mm. Thicknessabout — 4.0 millimeters. Form. — Obovoid. Pellicle. — Pubescent. Color.— (RHS Greyed Orange Group 164 A).

Use.—The subject variety ‘Burnecteight’ is considered to be a Nectarinetree of the very late season of maturity, and which produces fruit whichare considered very firm, attractively colored, and which are useful forboth local and long distance shipping.

Keeping quality.—Excellent. Fruit has stored well up to 21 days afterharvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.

Shipping quality.—Good. Fruit showed minimal bruising of the flesh orskin damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and packingprocedures.

Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular susceptibilities werenoted. The present variety has not been tested to detect for anysusceptibilities or resistances to any known plant and/or fruitdiseases.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Fowler, Calif., in the central part of the San Joaquin Valley ofCalifornia, it should be understood that variations of the usualmagnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural management are tobe expected.

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety nectarine tree,what we claim is new and desire to secure by plant letters patent is: 1.A new distinct variety of nectarine tree substantially as illustratedand described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty byproducing an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, clingstone nectarinewhich is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately September 15to September 22 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the SanJoaquin Valley of Central California.